ATTEND TRAINING AND BE SUCCESSFUL! MESSAGE FROM …

1 SPRING/SUMMER 2008. ATTEND TRAINING AND BE. SUCCESSFUL! MESSAGE FROM The 2008-2009 technical TRAINING calendar was mailed to all registered apprentices and their employers in April. The calendar contains a wealth of information, including HONOURABLE enrollment instructions, nancial assistance information, class schedules for each trade, and information from each TRAINING provider. We recommend that you enroll in DOUG HORNER technical TRAINING soon if you haven't done so already. As Minister of Advanced Education and If you prefer to get your information from the internet, a new page has been added to our website at This comprehensive, easy-to-navigate Technology, I'm thrilled to continue page provides information related to technical TRAINING , including links to nancial working with Alberta's outstanding assistance programs such as Employment Insurance (EI) and grants.

2 It also has a apprenticeship and industry TRAINING link to a special version of the class schedule that will let you see the current number system. of seats still available for your trade and technical TRAINING period at each of the 10. This copy is for archival purposes only. Please contact the publisher for the original version. TRAINING providers. Thanks to a strong economy and high demand for skilled labour, certi ed tradespeople have a bright future in our province. That's why the Alberta Are classes full at your rst-choice location?

3 Consider enrolling at an alternative Apprenticeship and Industry TRAINING Board, industry and the Alberta location that still has seats available many locations o er a ordable student housing. government are working hard to encourage more Albertans to pursue a If you can't nd what you need in the calendar or on the website, call Apprenticeship career in the trades. and Industry TRAINING 's toll-free technical TRAINING information line at 1-877-899-SEAT (7328). An operator will be pleased to assist you with any questions One exciting new initiative is the expansion of the Apprenticeship and you have about apprenticeship technical TRAINING .

4 Industry TRAINING Board Family of Scholarships. You can read an overview of the changes impacting scholarship recipients and donors in this issue. Premier Ed Stelmach has also announced some good news when it comes APPRENTICES: WHY ATTEND . to promoting trades careers to youth: the province has committed $24 TECHNICAL TRAINING ? million to date towards organizing and staging the 40th WorldSkills Wages. Increase your wages as you progress through your TRAINING . Competition in Calgary next year. This high-pro le event for young Knowledge.

5 Gain technical expertise to help improve your on-the-job skills. competitors will be the largest international competition held in Calgary Confidence. Increase your confidence on the job. since the 1988 Winter Olympics. See the update on WorldSkills Calgary Recognition. Earn your employer's appreciation for your commitment to your 2009 in this issue for more details. apprenticeship. Advancement. Move ahead in your career as you complete your technical As employers continue to hire apprentices and our system grows, we TRAINING . will continue to work with technical TRAINING providers to o er more Accomplishment.

6 Achieve your goal of becoming a certified journeyperson. classes and spaces, better facilities and new equipment. I'm proud of the outstanding post-secondary apprenticeship TRAINING o ered to Albertans EMPLOYERS: WHY SEND APPRENTICES. in the trades, and look forward to continuing to promote the trades as an excellent career choice. TO TECHNICAL TRAINING ANNUALLY? Productivity. Greater efficiency from your apprentices increases your bottom line. Competency. Improved know-how allows your apprentices to handle more complex work. Quality.

7 Apprentices with increased skills and knowledge improve the quality of Doug Horner your products and services. MINISTER OF ADVANCED EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY. Retention. Apprentices are more likely to stay with an employer who encourages them to succeed. Credibility. Your company's image is enhanced when your workers are properly trained and certified. ENTREPRENEUR. RECOGNIZED FOR. #40032005. ISSN 1716-1495. GIVING BACK TO TRADES. COMMUNITY. Spotlight on Ernie Wirtanen, recipient of special Board award Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Ernie Wirtanen, founder of Wirtanen Electric Ltd.

8 And the George Wirtanen School in Edmonton, received a special award from the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry TRAINING Board during the Apprenticeship and Industry TRAINING annual awards reception held in February. Presented by Board Chair Brian Bickley, the award recognizes outstanding individuals who have contributed to the success of Alberta's apprenticeship and industry TRAINING system. 10th floor, Commerce Place Edmonton, AB T5J 4L5. The George Wirtanen School, named after Ernie's late son, has provided pre-apprenticeship TRAINING in the electrical trades since it opened its doors in 2001.

9 People referred to the school may be unable to enter the 10155 - 102 Street workforce as apprentices due to inexperience, nancial limitations or educational constraints. The program is unique because it is funded entirely through the Wirtanen Electric TRAINING Foundation. This means the school provides all TRAINING , mentoring and placement assistance to students free of charge. Continued on page 4. APPRENTICESHIP UPDATE SPRING/SUMMER 2008. CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN ALBERTA'S. APPRENTICESHIP AND INDUSTRY TRAINING SYSTEM. Each year, the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry TRAINING Board recognizes the top apprentices, employers and instructors in the province.

10 In 2007, a new award was introduced for top employers of aboriginal apprentices, and a one-time special award was presented to the founder of a pre-apprenticeship school in Edmonton. TOP INSTRUCTOR AWARD TOP EMPLOYER AWARD TOP EMPLOYER OF ABORIGINAL. Mr. Allen Clampitt Alberta Paci c Forest Industries APPRENTICES AWARD. Cook Instructor Boyle BG Industrial Doctors Inc. Lethbridge College Fort McMurray Pinnacle International Mr. Bryce Nelson Redcli . Syncrude Canada Ltd. Auto Body Re nisher Instructor Read about this award and its recipients on page 3.